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We have 38 Easy lunch ideas for kids that will make lunch time a breeze. These easy lunch ideas are frugal, quick and so delicious.

We have Easy lunch ideas for kids that will make lunch time less stressful. All of these easy tasty lunch ideas are frugal, quick and so delicious. Everyone will love these easy lunch ideas for kids!  #eatingonadime #lunchrecipes #lunchideas #kidlunches
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Quick lunch ideas:

Not only are these lunch ideas for kids easy but your kids will want to actually eat them. We have included healthy lunches to enjoy at home as well as for a packed lunch.

These ideas are really yummy and the best school lunch ideas. I like to add bell peppers, apple slices and other fruits and veggies.

Healthy lunch ideas for kids:

I really like to send my kids off to school with a healthy lunch. It makes me feel like I am helping them stay focused at school. It is easy to meal prep with these ideas:

  • Turkey & Cheese Roll-up
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Yogurt
  • Granola
  • Trail Mix
  • Protein Bars
  • Chicken Salad
  • Pasta Salad

Table of Contents

1. Air fryer chicken nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets
Air fryer chicken nuggets are kid friendly and super easy. This meal goes from air fryer to table in under 15 minutes. You can’t get takeout in that amount of time!
Air fryer chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets are always a kid friendly idea and super easy. This meal goes from air fryer to table in under 15 minutes.

We have been using the air fryer more these days. I love the way it cooks the food and my kids like how fast it cooks.

Cookie Cutter Sandwich
This fun and easy cookie cutter sandwich is sure to be a hit. Jazz up lunch with fun shapes and put a big smile on your child’s face.
Cookie Cutter Sandwich

It is so easy to make fun imprints on your sandwich with cookie cutters. When my kids were little, they loved to see what design I sent them to school.

Their friends are curious too! It makes them smile and that just warms my heart.

3. Baked apple chips recipe 

Baked apple chips recipe
This baked apple chips recipe can be easily saved for after school snacks or to put in your kids’ lunchboxes. They’re a delicious low-calorie treat and they dry easily in your oven so you don’t need any fancy machines. That is a win-win!
Baked apple chips recipe

These are perfect to put in your kids’ lunchboxes. Apple chips make a delicious low-calorie treat and they dry easily in your oven so you don’t need any fancy machines.

4. Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Nuggets recipe 

Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Nuggets recipe
We have perfected this Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Nuggets recipe and your kids will love getting to eat these at home. Save a ton of money and learn how to make these tasty chicken nuggets at home!
Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Nuggets recipe

Save a ton of money and learn how to make these tasty chicken nuggets at home! Your kids will love getting to eat these for lunch.

My kids love Chick-fil-a, so I decided to make a copycat version at home. It saves me time not having to go through the drive-thru and saves me so much money.

5. Hard boiled egg lunch ideas

Hard boiled egg lunch ideas
We have simple and easy Hard boiled egg lunch ideas. Kids will love these delicious bento style ideas with fruit and more.
Hard boiled egg lunch ideas

Kids will love these delicious bento style lunch ideas with fruit, boiled eggs and more. They are so simple but always a crowd pleaser. They fit great in your lunch box.

Hard boiled eggs have some much protein and my kids love them. This is a very easy lunch idea.

6. Turkey sandwich crescent rolls

Turkey sandwich crescent roll recipe
Turkey sandwich crescent roll recipe makes a great lunch or quick dinner. Everyone will love the crescent rolls and you can use leftover turkey or deli meat. It’s so easy and your kids will actually be excited to open their lunchbox.
Turkey sandwich crescent roll recipe

Everyone will love the crescent rolls and you can use leftover turkey or deli meat. It’s so easy and your kids will actually be excited to open their lunchbox.

7. Homemade Uncrustables

Homemade Uncrustables
Make these easy homemade uncrustables for a great lunch idea that kids will love. Skip the store bought version and save money with this freezer friendly recipe.
Homemade Uncrustables

You will save so much money making homemade uncrustables. They are freezer-friendly and so easy to make.

8. Tuna salad sandwich recipe

Tuna salad sandwich recipe
We enjoy this tuna salad sandwich recipe year round for quick meals and it is so delicious. It’s also perfect for those days you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Packed with protein and delicious as a sandwich, you can’t go wrong with tuna salad!
Tuna salad sandwich recipe

Packed with protein and delicious as a sandwich, you can’t go wrong with tuna salad! Plus, it is quick and easy to make.

9. Easy Pizza Cupcakes Recipe

Easy Pizza Cupcakes Recipe
If you want a dinner that your family is going to enjoy and love to help make with you, then try this Easy Pizza Cupcakes Recipe. These little pizza cupcakes are so frugal and tasty.
Easy Pizza Cupcakes Recipe

These little pizza cupcakes are so frugal and tasty. Let the kids choose their favorite toppings for a great lunch.

10. How to make breakfast sandwiches 

Breakfast Sandwiches
We are going to show you how to make breakfast sandwiches that are so delicious and budget friendly. Serve these any day of the week for an easy meal option.
Breakfast Sandwiches

These are so yummy and inexpensive to make. They are the perfect grab-and-go meal.

11. Peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls

Peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls
Whatever you choose to call these peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls is completely up to you. I just know that they have become one of our favorite after school snacks! They’re so good and super easy to make!
Peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls

This easy “sushi” recipe is so fun to make and eat. They will quickly become one of your favorite lunches.

12. Easy fruit and yogurt parfait 

Easy fruit and yogurt parfait
Easy fruit and yogurt parfait has layers of creamy yogurt, granola and fresh fruit. Make these in advance for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
Easy fruit and yogurt parfait

Layers of creamy yogurt, granola and fresh fruit come together for a great lunch. Make parfaits in advance for a quick meal.

13. Biscuit Pizza

Biscuit pizza recipe
Craving pizza and need a quick and frugal recipe? Make this fun and tasty biscuit pizza recipe with all of your favorite toppings.
Biscuit pizza recipe

Make this fun and tasty biscuit pizza recipe with all of your favorite toppings. They are small and perfect for toddlers or younger children.

14. How to Pack Tacos for lunch

How to Pack Tacos for lunch
Do you need another idea for kids packed lunches? I would love to show you How to Pack Tacos for lunch. Homemade Taco lunchables is one of our kids favorite lunches because it is completely different than the regular “boring” sandwich.
How to Pack Tacos for lunch

Packing tacos for lunch is one of our kids favorite lunches because it is completely different than the regular “boring” sandwich. It is also a great way to use leftovers.

15. Air Fryer Pizzas

Air fryer pizza
In less than 10 minutes, enjoy Air fryer pizza with all of your favorite toppings. This delicious recipe makes it easy to enjoy pizza on a budget.
Air fryer pizza

Kids love pizza and this recipe for Air Fryer Pizza is quick and easy. Choose your favorite toppings and enjoy.

16. Hawaiian turkey and cheese sliders 

Hawaiian turkey and cheese sliders
These quick and easy Hawaiian turkey and cheese sliders are the best for feeding a crowd! Hawaiian roll turkey sliders are our go to recipe for party food! They come together quickly and are great hot or cold!
Hawaiian turkey and cheese sliders

You can make a bunch of these inexpensively. Hawaiian roll turkey sliders are our go to recipe for hungry teens! They come together quickly and are great hot or cold!

17. Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe

Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders
One of our all time favorite recipe is this Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders easy recipe. The ham is baked perfectly in between the melted cheese and Hawaiian Roll. We love how quickly we can put these together anytime of the week.
Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders

Always a hit and always easy, this sliders recipe is delicious. You can use leftover ham to make this recipe for sliders even easier.

18. BBQ chicken quesadilla recipe

BBQ chicken quesadilla recipe
Today I wanted to show you how we make this fun BBQ chicken quesadilla recipe using leftovers. It is so delicious and super easy for busy week days. Enjoy for lunch or dinner.
BBQ chicken quesadilla recipe

 Use leftover chicken to make this delicious BBQ quesadilla. It is so tasty and super easy for a quick lunch.

19. Walking taco frito chili pie

Walking taco frito chili pie
Walking taco frito chili pie is so easy and perfect for parties, meals on the go and more. Enjoy chili pie with corn chips for a quick meal any night of the week.
Walking taco frito chili pie

Enjoy chili pie with corn chips for a quick lunch. It does not get any simpler than this and only takes minutes to pack. Tortilla chips would also work.

20. Pita pizza recipe

Pita pizza recipe
Enjoy this Pita pizza recipe in minutes with the toppings of your choice. Skip takeout and make pita bread pizza for a quick lunch or dinner that is kid friendly and frugal.
Pita pizza recipe

The kids can enjoy pizza in minutes with the toppings of their choice. Make pita bread pizza for a quick lunch that is kid friendly and frugal.

21. Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
There is something so comforting and delicious about a classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. Each bite is loaded with melted cheese that is creamy and amazing. You can’t go wrong once you learn how to make the best grilled cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Each bite is loaded with melted cheese that is creamy and amazing. Your kids will love it once you learn how to make the best grilled cheese.

22. Homemade chocolate pudding 

Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Homemade Chocolate Pudding is so rich and creamy for an amazing treat. It is actually very easy to make homemade pudding and you won’t ever go back to store bought.
Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Kids love pudding and this is so rich and creamy for an amazing treat. It is actually very easy to make homemade pudding and you won’t ever go back to store bought!

23. Homemade flatbread pizza recipe 

Homemade flatbread pizza recipe
This homemade flatbread pizza recipe will be fun for the whole family! They are perfect for busy nights and ready in just 15 minutes. This flatbread pizza recipe will be an instant hit and everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Homemade flatbread pizza recipe

Everyone loves pizza and these are ready in just 15 minutes. This flatbread pizza recipe will be an instant hit and everyone can add their favorite toppings. My son loves when I give him pepperoni pizza.

24. Homemade Lunchables

Lunchables are so easy to customize for each child and really yummy. My kids love taking lunchables to school.

Homemade Lunchables
Each Homemade Lunchable is customizable for everyone! I just make sure my kids have (2) proteins, (1) carb, (1 or 2) fruits or veggies, and a drink. I also add in a small dessert.
Homemade Lunchables

25. Hawaiian Roll Pizza Sliders

Hawaiian Roll Pizza Sliders
This easy Hawaiian Roll Pizza Sliders Recipe is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Topped with a butter parmesan glaze and filled with your favorite pizza toppings.
Hawaiian Roll Pizza Sliders

We love having sliders are our house for dinner. Try this fun Hawaiian Roll Pizza Sliders recipe today for a fun twist on a pizza without all the work.

26. Walking tacos

Walking tacos
If you need a quick meal on the go, try Walking tacos! Everything you love about tacos gets combined into a yummy bag of Doritos! This is a great meal for parties or when you need a quick meal. Clean up is a breeze and everyone loves this delicious meal.
Walking tacos

Everything you love about tacos gets combined into a yummy bag of Doritos! This is a great lunch idea and Walking Tacos are always a lot of fun.

27. Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap

Chick-fil-a Cool Wrap
This Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap is so easy to make with just 4 ingredients. Learn how to make this delicious copycat recipe for a great lunch or dinner.
Chick-fil-a Cool Wrap

Enjoy everything you love about your favorite wrap at Chick-fil-a at home. With only 4 ingredients, it is so easy to make.

Chicken Caesar Wrap
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap is a quick meal idea that includes everything you love about Caesar Salad. This grab and go wrap can be ready in 5 minutes!
Chicken Caesar Wrap

28. Easy Burger Sliders

Sliders make the perfect size for lunches and everyone loves burgers. The flavor is delicious.

A close-up of a delicious cheeseburger slider. The slider has a fluffy Hawaiian Roll bun, a juicy beef patty, and is topped with melted cheese and sauce, dripping slightly over the sides. The background hints at a slice of pickle and another sandwich, perfect for your next hamburger recipe.
Hawaiian Roll Hamburger Sliders
Try this easy Hawaiian Roll Hamburger Recipe that you can make in 15 minutes. With the help of Hawaiian Rolls you will have your dinner ready in no time at all.
Hawaiian Roll Hamburger Sliders

29. Crack Chicken Sliders

The creamy blend of chicken, cream cheese and more combine for delicious sliders.

Crack Chicken Sliders
Crack Chicken Sliders is loaded with flavor and easy to make. These sliders are perfect for an afternoon lunch or served at your next gathering.
Crack Chicken Sliders

30. Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Jazz up plain hot dogs with bacon. This is easy to cook with several different methods.

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs Recipe is a flavor packed combination. Learn how to cook them in the oven, on the grill or in the air fryer.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

31. Smash Burger

This burger has thin patties that are packed with flavor and loaded with all of your favorite toppings.

Smash Burger
Anyone can easily make this Smash Burger Recipe with fabulous results. The thin patties are browned to perfection but flavorful and juicy on the inside.
Smash Burger

32. Chick-Fil-A Charcuterie Board

Anyone can easily make a tasty charcuterie board with all of your Chick-fil-A favorites.

Chick Fil a Charcuterie Board
Enjoy a delicious Chick-fil-a Spicy Chicken Sandwich anytime you want at home. This copycat recipe is easy to make and so tasty.
Chick Fil a Charcuterie Board

33. Skillet Chicken and Rice Burritos

The delicious blend of chicken, salsa, rice and more combine for a great burrito recipe.

Skillet Chicken and Rice Burritos
This Skillet Chicken and Rice Burrito Recipe comes together quickly and easily. It combines chicken and salsa to make the best one-pot meal.
Skillet Chicken and Rice Burritos

34. Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast Burritos are loaded with your favorite breakfast items. They are freezer-friendly and super easy.

Easy Freezer Breakfast Burritos Recipe
Try Freezer Breakfast Burritos Recipe for an easy meal on busy mornings that everyone will enjoy. Loaded with eggs, cheese and more for a great breakfast.
Easy Freezer Breakfast Burritos Recipe

35. Beef Burrito Recipe

This recipe is so easy that it is perfect for busy weeknights. We love to freeze some for quick meals.

Beef Burrito Recipe
This Beef Burrito Recipe is a delicious grab and go meal perfect for busy weeknights but special enough for family dinner. Try this freezer friendly meal.
Beef Burrito Recipe

36. Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

You can add extra protein by layering ham with the grilled cheese. It is ooey gooey and wonderful.

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
This Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich is ready in less than 10 minutes. The buttered bread with melted cheese and ham toasted to perfection is the best comfort food.
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

37. Turkey Sandwich

Everyone loves a classic turkey sandwich. It is so easy to load with your favorite toppings.

Turkey Sandwich
The best Turkey Sandwich recipe is simple to make with roast turkey, deli cheese and your favorite toppings. This classic sandwich is filling and always a hit with everyone.
Turkey Sandwich

38. Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Combine pizza and grilled cheese into the best sandwich. It is delicious and a kid favorite.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This is the best Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. It is so easy to make and the kids just love it! I love making this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe for them too.
Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

39. Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps has everything you need for a delicious lunch or dinner. Ranch and bacon fans will go crazy over this chicken wrap and it’s ready in under 10 minutes!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
We top the chicken and bacon with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and ranch. You can really add anything you like. It is a great way to sneak in extra veggies with the kids.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps

40. Air Fryer Hot Dogs

If you love our Crock Pot Hot Dogs, then these Air Fryer Hot Dogs will be worth the try! It takes just minutes to make for a quick weeknight meal that’s frugal yet tasty.

Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Save time and money and make this easy recipe at home. These hot dogs tastes great and come out with perfect crispy skin.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs

41. How to Pack Healthy Lunches for Kids

Putting together a healthy lunch your kids will love is easy! Just follow these steps to help you plan your kid’s lunches and you’ll be packing healthy lunches in no time!

A bright orange lunchbox, perfect for easy lunch ideas for kids, contains a heart-shaped sandwich, cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, green grapes, strawberries, and two cookies. It is accompanied by an orange drink container. Additional fruits are scattered nearby on a striped cloth.
How to Pack Healthy Lunches for Kids
Learn how to pack healthy lunches for kids. These ideas are simple, budget-friendly and your kids will actually eat them!
How to Pack Healthy Lunches for Kids

42. How to Pack Chicken Nuggets for Lunch

My kids love chicken nuggets in their school lunches.  So, I wanted to show how you can keep your kids’ chicken nuggets warm in school lunches.

A packet of Tyson chicken nuggets, labeled "2 lbs" and "100% natural ingredients," is placed on a table. Nearby, an insulated container with a cartoon character on it holds several chicken nuggets, with the lid set beside it—perfect easy lunch ideas for kids.
How to Pack Chicken Nuggets for Lunch
Whichever chicken nuggets you choose, cook them based on the package instructions or recipe, then follow the thermos process to keep them hot and crispy in their lunch boxes.
How to Pack Chicken Nuggets for Lunch

43. How to make a Taco Lunchable

Homemade Taco lunchables is one of our kids’ favorite lunches because it is completely different than the regular “boring” sandwich.

A packed lunch inside a red and gray lunch bag, including a thermos with cooked ground beef, two soft taco shells, a plastic container with shredded lettuce and cheese, a small compartment with red grapes, and a snack-sized container of crunchy, red chips—easy lunch ideas for kids.
How to make a Taco Lunchable
I used snack-size baggies for my cheese and lettuce and these work great because they’re the perfect size for the small quantities.
How to make a Taco Lunchable

44. Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla

My kids can use it to make breakfast, and desserts and heat up frozen foods. These chicken quesadillas make for the perfect after-school snack.

Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla
Make Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner idea. Use leftover chicken, cheese, and taco seasoning to create the ultimate air fryer quesadillas.
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla

45. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls have become one of our favorite after-school snacks! They’re so good and super easy to make!

These peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls are perfect or an after school snack or even a fun lunch idea. Kids and adults love them!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls
I am so excited to share with you another fun, frugal, and easy after-school snack idea. Not only are they east, it can be made with different combinations, too!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls

46. Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

Everyone will love the crescent rolls and you can use leftover turkey or deli meat. It’s so easy and your kids will actually be excited to open their lunchbox.

Turkey sandwich crescent roll recipe makes a great lunch. Everyone will love the crescent rolls and you can use leftover turkey or deli meat.
Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups
It is an easy twist on the traditional turkey and cheese sandwich. They are kid-friendly, frugal, and easy to prepare. 
Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

47. Tuna Salad Sandwich

It’s perfect for those days you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Packed with protein and delicious as a sandwich, you can’t go wrong with tuna salad!

A plate with a chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread, cut in half and placed side by side. The sandwich contains lettuce and chicken salad filling. Rippled potato chips are served alongside, reminiscent of a classic tuna salad sandwich recipe. A checkered cloth is partially visible in the bottom left corner.
Tuna Salad Sandwich
It has the perfect combination of tuna and mayo. It isn’t too thick or too runny. Seriously, it is just the best!
Tuna Salad Sandwich

48. Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders

If you are needing an easy and quick lunch idea, then this quick and easy Hawaiian turkey and cheese sliders recipe is just what you’re looking for.

These quick and easy Hawaiian turkey and cheese sliders are the best for feeding a crowd! Hawaiian roll turkey sliders are our go to recipe for party food!
Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders
They are seriously easy to make. These sliders come together in less than 30 minutes, so they’re perfect for an easy lunch recipe.
Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders

49. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy and delicious air fryer chicken tenders are ready in less than 20 minutes. Enjoy restaurant quality tenders at home for a fraction of the price.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
They are perfectly crispy on the outside and golden brown. The chicken is tender and not dry at all. Plus, the air fryer cooks them in less than 20 minutes. 
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

50. Biscuit Pizza

Craving pizza and need a quick and frugal recipe? Make this fun and tasty biscuit pizza recipe with all of your favorite toppings.

Biscuit Pizza
This fast and easy Biscuit Pizza is definitely a bit more friendly on the budget than a frozen pizza or ordering in. Plus, the entire family will have a blast helping to make these.
Biscuit Pizza

51. Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap

This Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap is so easy to make with just 4 ingredients. Learn how to make this delicious copycat recipe for a great lunch or dinner.

Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap
With just a little cheese and green leaf lettuce, these wraps come together fast and easy. The grilled chicken is tender and flavorful.
Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap

52. Hard Boiled Eggs with Cinnamon Sticks

We have simple and easy Hard boiled egg lunch ideas. Kids will love these delicious bento-style ideas with fruit and more.

Hard Boiled Eggs with Cinnamon Sticks
This is so easy and my kids love it. For my cinnamon toast, I take a slice of wheat bread and butter it. Then I sprinkle it with my cinnamon and sugar recipe.
Hard Boiled Eggs with Cinnamon Sticks

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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